Thursday's windy weather didn't phase those who attended the official opening of World Visions new 'Young Mob' office located on John Street.
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Young Mob is a leadership program that enables urban and rural Indigenous youth to gain skills in public speaking and leadership to improve confidence and self-esteem.
It also offers opportunities for them to learn more about their Indigenous culture, reinforcing their Aboriginal identity.
As part of NAIDOC week, a ceremony took place prior to the opening featuring a welcome to country, smoke ceremony, traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancing and singing and insights from local Young Mob members and facilitators.
"As a society and culture as old as time we want to take you on a journey," Wonnarua elder Uncle Jimmy explained.
"It's about acknowledging and recognising that this whole country was already under multiple custodianship's and that it was loved, respected and nurtured by many people before the coming of the British."
Following the welcome to country were speeches by local Yong Mob facilitators Sophie Romotto and Loree Jerry who'm both expressed their pride and gratitude for the program and the initiatives it provides.
Young Mob takes the fear out of public speaking.
Young Mob participants are encouraged to have fun while learning how to effectively approach any speaking engagement.
It is helping Aboriginal young people to speak up and be confident in who they are.
14-year-old Jordan from Kurri Kurri High School shared part of his growing journey of self discovery with Young Mob.
"Before Young Mob, I wasn't ashamed of being Indigenous, but I wasn't proud of it either," Jordan said.
"If asked, I was always answer yes but try to avoid the question as much as possible.
"Within the first orientation I had realised being Indigenous wasn't something to be ashamed of, but something to embrace and have confidence in."
Students Silvia and Kanisa from Mt View High School also shared parts of their personal growth journey with Young Mob and World Vision at the ceremony as well.
"Being apart of this program has personally brought me closer to our aboriginal elders, our land and my fellow Indigenous and Torres Strait islanders," Silvia added.
A traditional Indigenous performance from the Wakagetti Aboriginal corporation dance group and singing by Torres Strait Islander youngster Rihanna Mills- Stuart entertained the crowd towards the end of the ceremony.
